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Willis Lease Finance (WLFC)
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Willis Lease Finance (WLFC) AI Stock Analysis

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WLFC

Willis Lease Finance

(NASDAQ:WLFC)

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Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$126.00
▼(-2.74% Downside)
Willis Lease Finance's overall score is driven by strong earnings call performance and valuation, indicating potential undervaluation. However, financial performance concerns, particularly high leverage and negative cash flow, along with bearish technical indicators, weigh down the score.

Willis Lease Finance (WLFC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Willis Lease Finance Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWillis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is a leading provider of aircraft engine leasing and leasing-related services. The company primarily focuses on the aviation sector, offering a diverse fleet of aircraft engines and other aviation-related assets to airlines and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. WLFC's core products include long-term and short-term leases, engine maintenance, and support services, enabling customers to optimize their operational efficiency and manage their fleet costs effectively.
How the Company Makes MoneyWillis Lease Finance generates revenue primarily through the leasing of aircraft engines and related services. The company earns income from long-term leases, which typically provide a steady stream of revenue over extended periods, as well as short-term leases that cater to immediate needs. Additionally, WLFC offers maintenance and support services, which are often bundled with leasing agreements, generating further revenue. The company benefits from its strategic partnerships with airlines and OEMs, enhancing its market presence and providing access to a broader customer base. Factors contributing to its earnings include the demand for leased aircraft engines, market conditions in the aviation industry, and the company's ability to manage and maintain its fleet efficiently.

Willis Lease Finance Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 04, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 16, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant revenue growth, record leasing revenues, and strategic investments, demonstrating a strong financial position and operational expansion. However, challenges were noted in the form of increased G&A expenses, equipment write-downs, and a decline in spare parts sales. Despite these challenges, the company's overall strong performance and strategic initiatives reflect a positive outlook.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Revenue and Growth
Delivered quarterly revenue of $183.4 million, a 25.4% increase year-over-year. Record leasing revenues in the third quarter with total leasing, maintenance reserve, and interest revenue at $156 million, a 32% increase from the same quarter in 2024.
Dividend Increase
Declared the seventh consecutive quarterly dividend, increasing it to $0.40 per share, indicating confidence in the business's strength.
Strong Financial Performance Metrics
Produced record core quarterly lease rent revenues of $76.6 million and record maintenance reserve revenue of $76.1 million. Earnings before tax for the quarter were $43.2 million, up 25% from the comparable period in 2024, with a net income of $22.9 million attributable to common shareholders.
Strategic Expansion and Investment
Purchased 16 engines and 6 aircraft totaling approximately $136.4 million, expanding the lease portfolio. Opened a new aircraft maintenance hangar in Teesside, which is fully booked through the winter season.
Negative Updates
Increased G&A Expenses
G&A expenses were $49.2 million in the third quarter, up $9.2 million compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to increased consultant fees and personnel costs.
Write-Down of Equipment
Equipment write-down of $10.2 million for the quarter, representing impairment on 8 engines, highlighting ongoing challenges with older and unserviceable engines.
Decline in Spare Parts and Equipment Sales
Spare parts and equipment sales through the WASI business were $5.4 million in the third quarter compared to $10.9 million in the prior comparable period, reflecting fluctuations in sales and larger scrap expenses.
Negative Gross Margins in Spare Parts Segment
Q3 margins in spare parts and equipment sales were negative $1.3 million due to larger scrap expenses.
Company Guidance
During the Willis Lease Finance Corporation's third quarter 2025 earnings call, the company announced a strong performance, with quarterly revenue reaching $183.4 million, marking a 25.4% increase year-over-year. The company highlighted record core quarterly lease rent revenues of $76.6 million and maintenance reserve revenue of $76.1 million, reflecting a solid 32% increase in leasing, maintenance reserve, and interest revenue from the same quarter in 2024. Additionally, Willis Lease reported a 43.2% rise in earnings before tax, totaling $43.2 million for the quarter, and a net income attributable to common shareholders of $22.9 million. The company declared its seventh consecutive quarterly dividend, increasing it to $0.40 per share. Management emphasized the robust demand for their leasing and maintenance services, with an average third-quarter utilization of approximately 86% and a lease rental factor exceeding 1%. As part of its growth strategy, Willis Lease expanded its portfolio by purchasing 16 engines and 6 aircraft, totaling approximately $136.4 million, and continued to develop its services platform. The company's leverage ratio improved, ticking lower to 2.90x from 3.48x at the end of 2024, supported by a $1 billion credit facility and $500 million warehouse facility.

Willis Lease Finance Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Willis Lease Finance shows strong revenue growth and profitability with high gross profit margins. However, challenges include high leverage and negative free cash flow, which could impact financial flexibility. The return on equity is strong, but reliance on debt financing poses potential risks.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Willis Lease Finance shows a strong revenue growth rate of 9.5% TTM, indicating robust business expansion. The gross profit margin remains high at 68.6%, reflecting efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has slightly decreased to 18.0% TTM from 19.1% in the previous year, suggesting some pressure on net profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are solid at 41.0% and 56.5% TTM, respectively, though they have slightly declined from the previous year, indicating potential operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is high at 4.11 TTM, indicating significant leverage, which could pose financial risks if not managed properly. Return on equity is strong at 20.6% TTM, showcasing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is relatively low, suggesting a higher reliance on debt financing, which could impact financial stability in adverse conditions.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Willis Lease Finance's free cash flow is negative, with a significant decline of 28.9% TTM, raising concerns about cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is slightly above 1, indicating that operating cash flow adequately covers net income. However, the negative free cash flow to net income ratio suggests challenges in converting profits into free cash flow.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue673.29M569.22M407.97M305.68M250.39M288.69M
Gross Profit486.03M429.44M301.84M196.59M235.46M177.39M
EBITDA400.08M345.63M236.85M164.80M167.63M176.90M
Net Income122.56M108.61M43.78M5.44M3.35M9.75M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.42B3.30B2.65B2.58B2.46B2.36B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments12.88M9.11M7.07M12.15M14.33M42.54M
Total Debt2.24B2.26B1.80B1.85B1.79B1.69B
Total Liabilities2.71B2.68B2.16B2.17B2.09B2.00B
Stockholders Equity713.53M612.46M488.93M404.69M375.88M364.01M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-390.53M-546.07M60.96M-148.60M-117.29M-318.78M
Operating Cash Flow264.29M284.41M229.74M144.42M90.66M93.44M
Investing Cash Flow-575.03M-764.91M-92.78M-194.38M-148.00M-506.67M
Financing Cash Flow613.57M444.98M-57.94M43.33M74.05M428.48M

Willis Lease Finance Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price129.55
Price Trends
50DMA
138.40
Negative
100DMA
141.36
Negative
200DMA
151.92
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-4.08
Positive
RSI
30.00
Positive
STOCH
20.19
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WLFC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 129.55 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 129.49, below the 50-day MA of 138.40, and below the 200-day MA of 151.92, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -4.08 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 30.00 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 20.19 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WLFC.

Willis Lease Finance Risk Analysis

Willis Lease Finance disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Willis Lease Finance reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Willis Lease Finance Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$23.11B6.0621.71%0.81%2.90%67.73%
73
Outperform
$7.11B7.3812.74%1.38%9.67%96.43%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
62
Neutral
$808.23M7.1018.91%0.84%27.90%19.25%
61
Neutral
$6.76B14.1916.26%1.99%1.68%9.91%
49
Neutral
$2.10B-567.03%-7.36%62.27%
41
Neutral
$4.86B-1.22%-639.34%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WLFC
Willis Lease Finance
120.51
-109.75
-47.66%
AER
Aercap Holdings
133.63
36.93
38.19%
AL
Air Lease
63.74
17.19
36.93%
CAR
Avis Budget
140.23
45.44
47.94%
R
Ryder System
167.56
11.91
7.65%
HTZ
Hertz Global
6.68
3.57
114.79%

Willis Lease Finance Corporate Events

Willis Lease Finance Reports Strong Q3 Growth
Nov 5, 2025

The recent earnings call of Willis Lease Finance Corporation painted a picture of robust financial health and strategic growth, despite some operational challenges. The company reported significant revenue growth and record leasing revenues, underscoring a strong financial position. However, the call also highlighted increased general and administrative expenses, equipment write-downs, and a decline in spare parts sales. Despite these hurdles, the overall sentiment was positive, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategic direction and financial performance.

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
Willis Lease Finance Increases Quarterly Dividend to $0.40
Positive
Nov 4, 2025

On October 28, 2025, Willis Lease Finance Corporation’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, to be paid on November 26, 2025, marking an increase from the previous $0.25 per share. The company reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, with a 25.4% increase in total revenue to $183.4 million and a 25.4% rise in pre-tax income to $43.2 million compared to the same period in 2024. This growth reflects the ongoing strength of the aviation marketplace and increased demand for the company’s leasing model and maintenance capabilities.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLFC) stock is a Hold with a $135.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Willis Lease Finance stock, see the WLFC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Willis Lease Finance Secures $750M Credit Facility
Positive
Nov 3, 2025

On October 31, 2025, Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (WMES), a joint venture between Willis Lease Finance Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., secured a new $750 million, five-year revolving credit facility. This agreement, which is not recourse to the company or its subsidiaries, enhances WMES’s financial flexibility and supports its strategic growth initiatives. The credit facility, available until October 31, 2030, allows WMES to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes and potentially increase the aggregate commitments by an additional $250 million. This financial move follows WMES’s recent acquisition of Willis Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Limited, positioning the joint venture to capitalize on new opportunities with agility and strength.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLFC) stock is a Hold with a $160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Willis Lease Finance stock, see the WLFC Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Willis Lease Finance to Release Q3 2025 Results
Neutral
Oct 20, 2025

On October 20, 2025, Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced it will release its third-quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on November 4, 2025. A conference call led by the executive management team will follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. This announcement is part of the company’s ongoing communication with stakeholders and reflects its commitment to transparency in financial reporting.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLFC) stock is a Hold with a $160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Willis Lease Finance stock, see the WLFC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Willis Lease Finance Appoints New Global Head
Positive
Oct 14, 2025

On October 8, 2025, Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced a new employment agreement with Brian R. Hole, appointing him as the Global Head of Managed Funds and Credit. The agreement outlines his compensation package, including an annual base salary of $696,892 and a target annual bonus opportunity of up to 90% of his salary, effective January 1, 2026. This strategic appointment is expected to enhance the company’s management of third-party capital and strengthen its market position.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLFC) stock is a Hold with a $160.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Willis Lease Finance stock, see the WLFC Stock Forecast page.

Willis Lease Finance Reports Record Q2 2025 Results
Aug 6, 2025

Willis Lease Finance Corporation is a prominent player in the aviation sector, specializing in leasing commercial aircraft engines and providing a range of aviation services globally. In its latest earnings report, Willis Lease Finance Corporation announced record-breaking financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with a pre-tax income of $74.3 million and total quarterly revenue reaching $195.5 million. This marks a significant 29.4% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. Key financial highlights include a 29.4% rise in lease rent revenue to $72.3 million and a notable gain of $43.0 million from the sale of its aviation consultancy business. The company also reported a strong portfolio utilization rate of 88.3%, up from 76.7% at the end of 2024. Additionally, spare parts and equipment sales surged to $30.4 million, reflecting heightened demand in the aviation market. Looking ahead, Willis Lease Finance Corporation remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, supported by robust leasing and maintenance operations as well as strategic business decisions.

Willis Lease Finance Reports Record Revenue and Growth
Aug 6, 2025

The recent earnings call of Willis Lease Finance Corporation showcased a robust performance, marked by record revenue and increased net income. The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with the company achieving significant milestones such as successful strategic initiatives and government support for sustainability projects. Despite facing challenges like increased SG&A expenses and equipment write-downs, the overall outlook remains strong, buoyed by improved leverage ratios and continued dividend payouts.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 05, 2025